<Previous Match - Cerezo Osaka Match Review>
That swing was acrobatic, magnificent, and beautiful, stunning the entire stadium and creating a moment of silence followed by explosive joy.
The pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium, hit by heavy rain, was slippery, making it very difficult to control the ball.
Nevertheless, the Tokyo players showcased their high level of skill, consistently connecting short passes to realize a style of football that "travels with the ball." While they were more aggressive, there were moments when they were quickly countered and the ball was carried right in front of the goal, but they continued to fight with high intensity in defense through pushing up the defensive line and quick pressing back.
However, Tokyo allowed the first goal. After giving a free kick near the penalty area, the ball was placed between the defender and the goalkeeper. They couldn't catch the player who broke free, and it was pushed in right in front of the goal.
It would have been understandable to be disappointed by the conceded goal while controlling the match, but the Tokyo players switched their mindset and aggressively pushed towards the Cerezo Osaka goal.
Then, in the 23rd minute of the second half, Shuhei TOKUMOTO skillfully maneuvered through the opponent's pressure and passed the ball to the right side. Hotaka NAKAMURA's early cross reached Ryoma WATANABE, who was making a run just outside the penalty area. WATANABE controlled the ball with his chest and, while twisting his body, powerfully volleyed the ball in mid-air.
The shot that the opposing goalkeeper couldn't move an inch for had a slight curve and shook the goal net.
They continued to hold the lead in the match with the momentum they gained from equalizing, but allowed a late chance to slip away, resulting in their first loss of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium. Although they faced a harsh outcome, their unwavering attitude of "never giving up" should lead to results in future matches, as they were able to manifest it in the form of a goal.
Watanabe commented that while it is not the form the team is aiming for, a team that continues to advance will create spectacular goals. Next, they will score goals in Tokyo's style of 'attacking with the ball' and secure 3 points.
<Preview>
Last season, the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima attracted attention as a clash between new managers who both employed distinctive tactics.
A style that controls the game by maintaining possession of the ball and pushing the opponent back to score a goal, and a style that applies high-intensity pressure from the front to win the ball and immediately transitions to attack with a short counter towards the goal. It has also been contrasted with the phrases possession and storming.
The result was 2 wins for Tokyo. In the home opener at Ajinomoto Stadium, despite struggling to connect passes as desired, they capitalized on the opportunities that arose and secured victory. In the away match, although they allowed the first goal and were troubled by the opponent's physical play, they dramatically turned the game around by scoring a goal in the dying moments, utilizing Adailton's individual skill.
This season, it seems that the battle for possession will determine the outcome, whether to eat or be eaten.
Considering the team's situation, it is not an exaggeration to say that Hiroshima, with five consecutive official match victories since April, is the most momentum-driven team in the J.League right now. On the other hand, Tokyo faced a tough situation in both performance and results during the matches in early April. However, in the league match against Cerezo Osaka and the Levain Cup match against Gamba Osaka, they regained their style of pushing the opponent while maintaining ball possession, and although it was a struggle, they were able to break through and score goals.
Connect the ball without fear against a vigorous opponent, neutralize the opponent who quickly closes in on the ball side with passing work, and gradually push forward to seize control. While coming up with ideas to break through the goal after pushing forward is a challenge for this season, now is the time to showcase the results of the training we have been working on since camp as we regain our form.
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q: In the recent Levain Cup, you continued to use the 4-2-3-1 system. Do you plan to continue this in the upcoming league matches as well?
A, this season we plan to adapt our system according to the situation, but I believe that the style of the team is more important than the system itself.
Q: In the recent Levain Cup, it seemed that the quality of ball possession improved due to the good performance of the side backs.
As a team, our style is growing, and the full-backs are required to play more aggressively and technically. If we can control the ball better than we do now, I believe the time and frequency of our defensive duties will naturally decrease. Therefore, we are asking our full-backs to play aggressively. Looking back at the Levain Cup so far, I think we have been able to express good play, and when viewed in fragments, there were scenes where we outperformed our opponents with good play. There is still a long way to go in establishing our style. We want to continue working on this.
Q: How will you utilize the gains from the Gamba Osaka match in the Sanfrecce Hiroshima match?
I believe that Sanfrecce Hiroshima tends not to make significant changes to their lineup in league matches and the Levain Cup. Hiroshima's characteristics are high-intensity pressing and play that utilizes combinations, led by a great coach. They are a dangerous club competing for the top spots, but we are also regaining the good feeling we had at the start of the season. After the opening, players continuously dropped out due to injuries, and we couldn't maintain that good feeling, but now we are in the process of regaining it. Along with that good feeling, the players are also honing their skills and connections. Because a good flow has been created again, we want to have a good match tomorrow and regain that good flow in the league as well.
Q: What kind of momentum has been created for the team by winning against Gamba Osaka?
A, just like life, soccer is influenced by mental strength. Naturally, losing a match can lead to significant mental damage. On the other hand, winning can help restore mental strength and create a positive momentum. The victory against Gamba Osaka had a positive impact on us.
Q: How is Kashif BANGNAGANDE's condition?
In such situations, physical condition is not everything. Even if players like Ryoma WATANABE and Shuto ABE have regained their condition, they must first regain their match sense. The same can be said for Yoshifumi KASUHI. By gaining playing time in official matches, they can regain their match sense.
Q: We faced Hiroshima in a training match before the season started. I believe the team has a good impression from that time.
A, of course, I had a good feeling. It wasn't just the training match against Hiroshima that felt good; the opening match against Urawa Reds was the same. However, after that, we had several players drop out of the lineup, and I lost that feeling. It seems that with each match, multiple players ended up being sidelined. We shouldn't place too much importance on the results of training matches, but we were certainly able to progress through the preseason in a good way.
Q: This is a match against Hiroshima, known for their high press.
A, of course, I think it will be a difficult match. However, I believe it will not be easy for them to break through our press. We will stick to our style and fight for victory.
Q: In the recent Levain Cup, Soma ANZAI played the full match. Please provide your evaluation again.
A, the point that adds to our style is that when a technical player joins, the ball becomes the lubricant for communication. The passing of the ball becomes one form of communication, and it shouldn't take him long to adapt to that. A player like him is exactly what we expect. A brilliant future awaits him.
Q: With the addition of player Anzai, it seems that the depth of the sideback position has increased.
A, there are no players in the team who are guaranteed a position or playing time. I believe everyone has a chance to play.
[Player Interview]
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: You are returning this week, how is your current condition?
A, I think my condition is improving. I was out for about three weeks due to an injury, but I was able to return to practice in good shape.
Q, do you feel confident that you can play from here without any worries?
A, that's right. I can play without any particular concerns or symptoms related to injuries.
Q: Please tell us about tomorrow's match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
This is an important match to change the flow as a team. We had a good victory against Gamba Osaka in the Levain Cup. I want to continue in that form and create an even better flow.
Q: Are you feeling more eager to participate in the match?
I was filled with the desire to play again quickly during my time away. If I get the chance to participate, I feel like saying, 'I will do it!'
Q: During the period of absence, did you reflect on your own play?
Of course, I reviewed my own play, but I was also paying attention to Shuhei TOKUMOTO's play. The plays that involve getting inside, which I lack, were very educational for me.
Q: How will you utilize your experience as a member of the Japan national team in the future?
I realized that through representative activities, I need to elevate all levels of play and technical aspects. However, for me, it also became a period that worked positively. Since there has been a period where I couldn't play soccer, I want to spend fulfilling time from now on.
Q: Did you feel a sense of achievement while playing with players from around the world?
A, it felt like it was still not enough.
Q: It seems that the public's evaluation of your participation in the friendly match was quite high.
A, while the impression from those around me was certainly high, personally, there were plays I wanted to express, and I still feel there is room for improvement.
Q: In tomorrow's match against Hiroshima, if you were to participate, it would also be an opportunity to express what you gained from the national team activities, right?
If there is a chance to participate, I would like to actively try what I have gained. Before that, I prioritize the team's victory above all.
Q: Specifically, what kind of plays would you like to try?
I want to increase the number of plays in the attacking third, which is a characteristic of my play style, including plays that move inward. In the friendly match against Colombia, I was unable to play at all in that area. I want to showcase my strengths through more aggressive plays at a higher position.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Hiroshima again.
A, the intensity and individual abilities leave a strong impression. If we can outmatch our opponents individually, I believe it will lead to victory. If we increase our attacking play on the sides, it will also help us take control of the game. When I get the chance to play, I want to be proactive in making moves.
